Celtic folk magic refers to the traditional supernatural practices and beliefs of the ancient Celtic peoples. This ancient form of magic was deeply rooted in the Celtic culture and was passed down through generations by word of mouth and practical experience. One of the fundamental aspects of Celtic folk magic was the belief in the interconnectedness of the natural world. The Celts had a deep reverence for nature and believed that everything in the natural world, including plants, animals, and elements, possessed its own unique spiritual energy. This belief formed the basis of many magical practices. Herbalism played a significant role in Celtic folk magic.
Herbalism played a significant role in Celtic folk magic. The Celts believed that plants had their own inherent magical properties and that they could be used for healing, protection, and divination. Certain plants, such as mistletoe and oak, were considered to have particular power and were used in various rituals and spells.
Scottish folk magic and the dead (an introduction)
Dondering around the countryside, sauntering through glen, dirt track, woods and burns. Battling the wind and falling leaves. Passed graveyard and sacred stones. An idea presented itself. To write a series of posts embracing the theme of the season. The dead. There’s a lot of information kicking around already about the dead and their relationship to Scottish folk magic traditions and lore. Some populist and modern, others older or academic. Most of it focussed on the dead as a secondary or tertiary concern to Scottish life.
However, there is a different role the dead and the Sidhe/Sith play. A more important one. One that was centre stage to Scottish community life. There is a seldom explored thread of an idea that needs woven into a larger narrative. That of Scottish Folk magic and older practices relating to ancestors, the Sidhe and animism and not so much deity as some of us have come to view them. I have been given the task of capricious seamstress in this regard, rooting between rich veins of folk-lore, academic research and archaeology to weave old ideas into a new story and hypothesis I hope will add to the conversation around this area as the series progresses.
We must be mindful that the demographic of Scotland has fluctuated through time and there are distinct or merged influences that can be felt from Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Gaelic, Scots, Norse, ‘Celtic’ and others. Giving us distinct regional flavours. The writing draws on these different influences. Each has similarities in customs and approaches to the dead that can be found across all of Scotland. Exploring the role the dead played in Scottish folk magic is important. (I have written loosely about this before). Their influence is found in the belief structure, everyday life and the afterlife of the Scottish people.
clava cairns Inverness Scotland – burial site?
These ideas will be explored initially as part of a three-part series but one I hope will grow more extensive in time.
Part one explores the traditions associated with death and the dead in Scotland as they relate to ancestors and the sidhe/ Síth. Not only at the Quarter festival but also in Hearth and home.
Part two explores the dead’s as familiar spirit, how historically, familiars were the dead and acted as a gateway to the otherworld.
Part three of the series will finalise on Samhuinn and will focus on the different Scottish folk magic techniques from across the diaspora for contacting and speaking with the dead and exploring ‘second sight’. A suitable Samhuinn subject if there ever was.
However, before we embark on this exploration we need to do a little scene setting. An introduction is required to set up the paradigm and philosophy we will be exploring as it compares to popular thought. We need to disambiguate from more modern concepts. This will establish the frame we will weave the weft and warp of these concepts to.
I write the following comparison, not to cause issue to those who may believe or approach things differently, but to give a basic background to historical Scottish folk magic which includes the dead in their rightful place. It’s not my intention to offend but to challenge. I hope questioning your views doesn’t put you off but encourages you to explore more. Maybe even to think further and deeper about the whys and what for of your own tradition or approaches. This is an exploration of Scottish Folk magic wherein the tradition sits. Different traditions speak to different attitudes.
Rituals and ceremonies were an important aspect of Celtic folk magic. The Celts believed in the power of ritual to connect with the spiritual realm and influence the natural forces. These rituals often involved invocations, prayers, offerings, and the use of symbols and sacred objects. Such practices were performed during specific times of the year, such as the Celtic festivals of Samhain and Beltane. Divination was another common practice in Celtic folk magic. The Celts believed that through divination, one could gain insight into the future or seek guidance from the spiritual realm. Methods of divination included reading omens in nature, scrying with water or mirrors, and interpreting dreams. Protection and warding off evil spirits were also essential concerns for the Celts. They believed in the existence of malevolent entities and practiced various rituals and charms to protect themselves and their homes. These protective measures often involved the use of specific herbs, amulets, and talismans. Celtic folk magic was deeply intertwined with the broader Celtic religious beliefs and practices. The Celts believed in a pantheon of deities and spirits and sought to establish a connection with them through magical practices. These beliefs and practices vary across different Celtic regions, reflecting the diversity and richness of Celtic culture. Today, Celtic folk magic continues to be practiced by those who seek to reconnect with their Celtic roots or are drawn to its mystical aspects. It is a living tradition that continues to evolve and adapt to the modern world while honoring the ancient Celtic heritage..
Reviews for "Celtic Folk Magic Rituals for Protection and Defense"
- Sophie - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with this book. I was expecting a detailed and comprehensive guide to Celtic folk magic, but instead, I found it to be very vague and lacking in substance. The author briefly touches on various concepts and practices without providing any real depth or practical guidance. The information provided feels superficial and does not offer any real insights or understanding of Celtic folk magic. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a serious and in-depth exploration of this topic.
- Jordan - 1 star - I found this book to be a complete waste of my time. The author seems more interested in promoting their own personal beliefs and experiences rather than providing any useful information about Celtic folk magic. The writing style is also very convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard to grasp the concepts being discussed. It reads more like a personal diary than a serious guidebook. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
- Emma - 2 stars - I was hoping to learn more about Celtic folk magic and its rich history, but this book fell short of my expectations. The author seemed to focus more on their own spiritual journey and experiences rather than providing a well-researched and informative guide. The content was scattered and lacked coherence, making it difficult to understand the concepts being discussed. Additionally, there was a lack of practical advice or guidance for those interested in exploring Celtic folk magic. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and insightful resource on this subject.
- Liam - 3 stars - Although this book had some interesting information about Celtic folk magic, I found it to be quite disorganized and lacking in structure. The author jumped from one topic to another without providing enough context or background information, making it hard to follow their train of thought. The writing style was also a bit dry and academic, which made it less enjoyable to read. Overall, I think this book has potential, but it needs better organization and a more engaging writing style to be truly valuable.